Boston Chamber commissions casino study

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has commissioned an independent study to examine the potential impact of casino gambling in Massachusetts.

The chamber said it has retained the Boston office of UHY Advisors FLVS Inc., a business consulting firm, to conduct an economic analysis that considers the job-creation and the socioeconomic implications that would result from casino gambling in Massachusetts.

The chamber said it expects the study to be completed "by the first part of 2008."

Governor Deval L. Patrick has proposed legislation that would license three casinos in three regions of the state.

According to a recent Globe story about gambling, Patrick's proposal has been introduced at the State House but is not expected to get a hearing until next year; under the proposal, casino developers would bid on licenses that Patrick expects would attract 10-year licensing fees of $200 million to $300 million for each casino.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)